Nokia announces the X and X+, its first Android phones

24Feb

Nokia is officially launching its very first Android devices, known as the X and the X+, on stage at its annual Mobile World Congress press conference. Given the excessive leaks, we can’t say we’re surprised by the actual announcement, but it’s still incredible to see Nokia take this particular approach. We’re not yet sure the difference between the two handsets, but we should find out soon. What we do know is that the X a 4-inch device with expandable storage via microSD slot. Both handsets will be based on the forked AOSP Android system, which Nokia says will give the advantage of the Android ecosystem, but with a “differentiated experience.” So far, Here Maps, MixRadio, Skype and Outlook will be offered. You can access the Nokia and third party stores using the devices, but not Google Play, obviously.

Nokia has built the interface around something called FastLane. When you swipe across it, it’ll bring up a sort of notification bar, featuring recent apps, missed calls and texts and other activities. When you bring up the Nokia store, it’ll show recommended apps, and Elop also showed Aero Express, a Russian-flavored app that he pulled down from the Yandex store. As for pricing, both the X and X+ will be available immediately and run 89 euros and 99 euros, respectively. by engadget